37. Aries & Auroras: A 2023 Update

At least I didn't go a whole year without blogging... One month short is something, right?

I planned on looking back at 2022, but I figured that the news I had for the beginning of 2023 was perfect to bring to the Nothing Peak blog! Let's dive in. ​

Author Spotlight

Ok, this is technically an end-of-2022 update, but I haven't taken the time to talk much about being featured by IngramSpark for their Author Spotlight series! It was nice to have the chance to advocate for independent publishing, talk a little bit about my books Haunt & Tempest, and answer some questions from the folks at IngramSpark. I'll always rave about how great their program is for indie authors wanting to get their work out there, albeit its learning curves. Its distribution services alone are enough to warrant the hard work that goes into self-publishing. You can watch my Author Spotlight video here!

Stares Back

My first submission and acceptance from the awesome Chill Subs site, a new poem titled "Stares Back," was accepted by Soft Star Magazine for their second issue! My inspiration for this piece came from the Call for Submissions itself, asking writers for pieces centering around the theme of the Aurora. Thus, "Stares Back" was born, playing with the idea of the void-staring-back-at-you being more than just a saying.

I'm excited for readers to check out this issue of Soft Star. I love their cosmic vibes, and their response to my work has been more than fulfilling. The themes I explore in this piece align with those I've been trying to weave into my writing as of late, so the positive reaction has inspired me to push forward. I don't want to say too much more about where my writing is going, mostly because I'm only ankle-deep, but I will say that it's a departure (again) thematically, and has been super fun to explore. Check out Soft Star, Issue 2: Aurora here.

Lock Horns

More exciting news! My first published short story, "Lock Horns," is included in a new collection called HorrorScope: A Zodiac Anthology. Falling under the Aries zodiac sign, "Lock Horns" was so fun to write. I usually shy away from the gorier sides of the horror genre, but I dabble in this story about two friends who meet a bizarre and terrifying threat in the woods. From passion and anger to bloodshed and violence, I'm glad these themes were fit for the anthology. Shoutout to editor H. Everend! Thanks for taking a chance on my work!

Featuring works by over 30 fantastic writers, HorrorScope captures the dark sides of the zodiac signs, from killer goats to twisted twins, and so much more. Available February 20, you can order your copy of HorrorScope here.  

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As always, thanks for all the support and encouragement. It really does motivate me to keep writing, experimenting, and thinking of creative ways to market & promote my work. If you do read any of the anthologies or collections that feature my work, be sure to leave a review wherever you've purchased them! A quick, kind review can go a long way. And of course, sharing my blogs and any news I post about is always welcomed and appreciated. Until next time! 

- Ryan 

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